Cross-country skiing has become almost two separate sports: one uses the skating technique and the other uses the diagonal stride or classical technique. In our ski shop we have the doubt of whether to buy skateboard or classic ski equipment at the beginning. What is the difference? And can a pack be used for both skating and classic xc technique?
Most are familiar with the classic xc technique or also known as lunges. Many who just want to venture out of their backyard choose a touring package, a complete ski that can be used on both bare and groomed xc runs. These classic skis are wider than the racing equivalents and have fish scales that serve to replace the kick wax in the area under the foot. This allows the user to push forward uphill without sliding backward or “missing” a kick. For serious athletes, classic xc skis, boots, bindings and poles are very different from touring skis. The racing ski is lighter and thinner than the ski touring equivalent. A classic Nordic boot is flexible, allowing the foot to bend as it goes. The binding serves mainly to keep the boot on the ski and offers little stability compared to a skating boot. The length of the ski pole for the classic technique generally extends to the armpit. These posts are light and stiff and are typically made of carbon fiber or an equivalent lightweight material.
Skate ski xc gear is very different from classic Nordic gear. Skate skis are typically shorter than the classic variety, but they are also light and thin. Unlike classic boots, skating boots are extremely stiff and tend to fit comfortably on the foot. The skating boots extend above the ankle, allowing for more support when pushing from side to side. The fixation of the skate is also rigid, which allows greater stability than the classic fixation. The length of the XC pole is also longer than that of the classic pole. Skating poles typically extend up to the skier’s nose. These posts are also light and rigid.
The world of cross-country skiing makes a “combi” boot that can be used for both classic skating and skating, but the downside to this boot is that it doesn’t work well. For classic skiing, it is usually a bit stiff and quite uncomfortable. For skating, the boot tends to be too soft, resulting in a less stable ski.
For the serious cross-country skier, separate ski packages for skating and classic skiing are ideal. To answer the question of what to buy first: skate skis or classic skis. Here at Mammoth Lakes California we’ve seen a general trend of buying skate skis first. Skateboarding is a faster, more dynamic and, in general, more cardiovascular exercise. A skating lesson is worth taking if you are a beginner, or even an experienced xc skier, good technique will go a long way. There is nothing wrong with classic skiing, but it tends to require greater technical skill to master. There are those who only opt for skate skiing, but this limits the number of ski days available, since on snowy days or after heavy snowfall, classic skiing will be ideal. After heavy snowfall or on snowy days, skating is cumbersome as ski tips tend to get caught in loose powdery snow.
If you are considering purchasing a cross country ski package, please visit our online store at http://xcskistore.com. Happy Nordic skiing to you!